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Unsightly Signs Strewn About City Streets

They come once a year, stay for a season, and disappear at winter time. Not flowers – political signs. Like flowers, some homeowners plant them in their yards with great pride, and there is nothing wrong with that. But like unsightly weeds, many political signs pop up where they don’t belong: in public rights-of-way, in public parks, and even sometimes on private property without the owner’s permission.

In Clarkstown, ordinances restrict where signs may be posted. Signs must be placed on private property, inset at least 10 feet from the curb, and must be placed with the permission of the property owner.

But drive on any highway in the area, and without fail you will find numerous examples of illegally placed signs from candidates of all parties. The problem is not limited to political candidates, of course. There are also illegally placed signs for dating services, kickboxing classes, kids sports, and ironically, junk removal. If you find this kind of litter posted without authorization near your home or workplace, put it where it belongs: in the trash.

But to the political candidates and their campaigns placing signs where they don’t belong: shame on you. Your signs should be removed and you should be fined, especially those running for council and judicial positions. You cannot be trusted to uphold the law when you are so blatantly ignoring it.